The Memphis Grizzlies are 3-1 to start the new NBA season, and while some aren’t sure if they will make the jump to true championship contender status, they remain an exciting and explosive team.
Every basketball fan should have the Grizzlies on their list of teams to watch this season, and there are three reasons why.
1. Ja Morant
As great as Ja Morant was last season in averaging 27.4 points and 6.7 assists to earn his first All-Star bid, he has taken things to an even higher level to start this season.
Through four games this year, he’s putting up 35.3 points on 54.8 percent overall shooting and 60.0 percent from 3-point range (on 5.0 attempts per game to boot) while also pitching in 7.0 assists a contest.
He has already had a 49-point outing, and he poured in 38 points on Monday when the Grizzlies defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 134-124.
JA MORANT 🔥🥷
In just 31 Minutes49 Points
17/26 Shooting
5/6 Threes
8 Assists
4 Rebounds
This nasty block on Jalen Greenpic.twitter.com/tGTVU3Z5pn— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 22, 2022
His play has caused some to argue that he could win the MVP award this season.
2. Desmond Bane
Morant needs and deserves a true first mate who is a legitimate star or superstar, and Desmond Bane seems to be the best candidate who is currently a teammate of his.
Through four games, he’s putting up 20.5 points and 6.0 assists per game, which includes his 38-point explosion versus the Nets.
If Bane reaches that level this season, the Grizzlies can go from dangerous to downright scary.
3. Will Memphis Take The Next Step?
After winning 56 games and taking the eventual world champion Golden State Warriors to six games in the Western Conference semifinals, the Grizzlies looked like they would be contenders if not immediately, then very soon.
The West will be tougher this year, as the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets should be much improved, and it will be very interesting to see how Morant, Bane, and company keep up with the heavyweights in the conference.
NEXT: Ja Morant Used The Past To Outsmart Ben Simmons